Lao Mekong Explorer – Up River
LUANG PRABANG >PAK OU CAVES> PAKBENG
Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
LUANG PRABANG
– 7h00 –
Luang Say boat leaves Auberge Calao pier at 07h00am (please be at pier not later than 6.45 am) for a cruise up the Mekong to Pakbeng and the Luang Say Lodge. A continental breakfast is served while the boat is cruising to Pak Ou Village
CAVES OF THOUSAND BUDDHAS
– 08h30 –
Opposite the mouth of the Nam Ou River, near Pak Ou village, the cruise stops to visit the Tam Thing cave. Translating as Rock Cave, it is famous for hosting over 2,500 Buddhas of all size and being a place of pilgrimage for the locals.
LUNCH
– 12h30 –
Lunch is served on board in a buffet style with a selection of starters and main course from Laos’ cuisine. A different choice of fish and meat dishes than on the first day is prepared for a greater culinary experience.
TRADITIONAL LAOS VILLAGE
– 13h30 –
A few hours into the day after enjoying the sight of sparkling sandy shores, the river boat makes stops to visit the hill tribe village of Baw where you can watch the traditional process of making Lao whiskey.
PAKBENG
– 17h00 –
The river cruise arrives at Luang Say Lodge near Pakbeng before sunset, giving plenty of time to refresh, enjoy the scenery of the river and appreciate the surrounding nature. A Laotian dinner is served on the open air terrace overlooking the Mekong River.
Lao Mekong Explorer – Up River
LUANG PRABANG >PAK OU CAVES> PAKBENG
LUANG SAY LODGE
– 06h30 –
Mornings are special times at Luang Say Lodge with stunning sights of the neighboring peaceful mountains, usually in the mist while a full breakfast is served on the expansive teak terrace.
08H30
Continue the journey overland passing through the remote countryside of Northern Laos experiencing the traditional way of life for villages in the region
MUANG NGEUN
– 10h00 –
The first stop is made at the traditional Tai Lu village of Muang Ngeun. Most of the village is comprised of traditional wooden architecture. Visit the exquisite temple of Wat Si Boun Yeun and marvel at its rustic wooden roof. Dating back to 1736 the temple and stupa were originally built in honor of a talented and respected craftsman of the time, Khou Ba Khamsaen, and its name Si Boun Yeun means “long Life”. The temples current Buddha dates back to 1816 and the murals that cover the exterior walls bring to life Buddhist lessons and tales carried through generations.
Continue the journey overland passing through Hongsa and the remote countryside of northern Laos experiencing the traditional way of life for villages in the region.
LUNCH
– 12h00 –
Hongsa is home to the largest population of wild elephants in Laos it can be seen during Elephant festvial. The town itself is also a popular stop for tourists and locals taking overland routes through northern Laos. For lunch enjoy the flavors of fresh home cooked Laotian food at a local restaurant overlooking the Gardens
Continue the journey overland passing through lush primary forest and experiencing the countryside of northern Laos. The traditional way of life for many villages in this region continues to remain unchanged.
GREEN FLOWER GARDEN OF HOIKHUA WATERFALL
– 15h30 –
After a long driver from Hongsa, Stop for a refreshing break at the untouched Hoikhua Waterfall. Just like a secret garden the Houkhua Waterfall is a well-kept secret. Located not far from Luang Prabang the peaceful waterfall is also a popular picnic, outdoor sports and BBQ spot for locals in the know. Here, you can also enjoy the beautiful hidden flower gardens .
DEPARTURE FROM FLOWER GARDEN
– 16h30 –
Departure from Green Flower Garden of Hoikhua Waterfall and heads for Xiengman pier, about another 15 KM. than, we will cross to Luang Prabang city by local ferry.
LUANG PRABANG
– 17h00 –
Following a full day with beautifully sceneries of mountains, local life, the van arrive back to the spiritual capital of Laos at about 17:00 in the afternoon. This should be just enough time to freshen up before heading out for the evening.